DEAR DR. ROACH: My primary care doctor has prescribed the medication Evenity for my osteoporosis. I have been on Fosamax for about three years, but my recent bone density scan went down slightly in the osteoporosis area. I am very concerned about the black-box warning of heart attacks and strokes since this is a very new drug with very little trials. I am hesitant to start it and am very interested to know your opinion on the safety of this drug. — C.M.

ANSWER: Alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate — the most commonly used initial treatment for osteoporosis based on decades of safety data. When used properly for men and women who are at a high risk of fracture, and when used for an appropriate amount of time (usually three to five years before reassessing), the risks are small. The

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